Susan Kay “Suz” Welch – KWBG Radio

BOONE, Iowa—Susan Kay “Suz” Welch, respected leader and advocate for youth, passed away on November 6, 2025, at the Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston, Iowa. Born on October 21, 1940, to Jim and Jo Welch in Van Meter, Iowa, Suz spent her formative years in Earlham, where she enjoyed an active childhood filled with outdoor adventures and sports. Her high school years were marked by her accomplishments as a six-team half-court basketball player, cheerleader, and Valedictorian.

Suz’s love for the outdoors blossomed through her involvement in Camp Fire and memorable summers at Camp Hantesa near Boone. She began her lifelong dedication to camps as a Hantesa Apprentice and joined the Hantesa summer staff in 1959. Suz attended Iowa Teacher’s College (now University of Northern Iowa – UNI), earning a B.A. in Physical Education. She then taught Physical Education and Health at Clinton High School before joining the Camp Fire Staff in 1965, guided by mentors Gen Clayton, Genilee Cunningham, and Vesper Price.

In 1972, Suz became Camp Hantesa Director, and by 1982, she also served as Camp Fire Executive Director. Her influence extended to academia as an Adjunct Professor at UNI from 1982-85, where she taught courses in Recreation Camp Leadership and Administration. Suz’s innovative spirit led to the expansion of Camp Hantesa programs and facilities, including new activities and the construction of the Variety Club Building, Billy Ray Cyrus Leadership Center and a new swimming pool.

Recognized nationally as an expert in camping, Suz served on local and national boards of the American Camp Association (ACA), including as ACA Board President from 1995-96. Her legacy includes numerous awards honoring her commitment and leadership. Suz retired from Camp Fire and Camp Hantesa in 2005 but remained a vital part of the camping community, lending her expertise to programs and camps across the country, including Camp Wyandotte in Ohio, the Georgia Camp Fire Council, Camp Toccoa, and Camp Hitaga in Eastern Iowa. Known for her entrepreneurial spirit, Suz inspired countless staff and campers with her dedication, mentorship, and vision.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Jo Welch; and her spouse, Carolyn Hudgens. Suz is survived by her brother, Jim (JoAnn) Welch; two nephews, Jamie Welch and Jonathan (Sarah-Marie) Welch and their children, Jack, Isabella, and Mia Kate, all of Chillicothe, Ohio. She is also remembered by her step-children Catherine (Neal) Weers, Caren (David) D’Cruz, Christina Hudgens, Gregory (Lindsey) Hudgens, and many step-grandchildren.

Suz’s life was a testament to the power of service and the joy of fostering growth in others. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she mentored, led, and inspired.

A memorial service with Suz’s nephew, Pastor Jon Welch officiating, will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Camp Hantesa, 1450 Oriole Road, Boone, 50036, with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, there will be a luncheon, and from 1:00 – 2:30pm there will be a Celebration of Suz’s life, with songs, stories, and sharing of memories. A private inurnment will be held.

Memorial contributions can be made by mail to Camp Fire Heart of Iowa, PO Box 13015, Des Moines, IA 50310 or online. Contributions can be designated to the Miss Suz Campership Endowment Fund via the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines to support scholarships for youth in perpetuity (http://www.campfireiowa.org/suz). Or donations can be made to the Miss Suz Memorial Fund to support immediate needs (http://www.campfireiowa.org/donate).

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Suz’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.